The purpose of this training unit is to provide council- or district-approved and registered merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America.

-

The merit badge counselor's role is to bring about learning on the part of the Boy Scout.

As a "coach" the counselor advises the Scout concerning steps he should take to fulfill the requirements for the merit badge.

+

==Training Summary==

+

:This module will guide new and potential [[merit badge counselor]]s through their responsibilities in the role and will give them an understanding of the methods of counseling Scouts. It is intended as a short orientation course for new merit badge counselors before they begin working with Scouts.

-

As a "counselor" he evaluates the Scout's performance and determines whether or not the Scout has met the prescribed objectives in the requirements.

+

;Time Required

+

:One hour

-

=== Objectives ===

+

;Learning Objectives

-

As a result of this unit of training, the merit badge counselor should be able to:

+

:At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to

-

* State the purpose of the merit badge program for Scouts.

+

:* Understand the aims of Scouting, the [[BSA advancement process]], and the merit badge counselor’s role.

-

* Explain the role of the merit badge counselor.

+

:* Know a merit badge counselor’s duties and responsibilities to the BSA and the Scout.

-

* List some methods of counseling and coaching.

+

:* Understand and complete the requirements to be a registered merit badge counselor with the BSA.

The [[Media:Merit Badge Program Quiz.pdf|Merit Badge Program Quiz]] is a precourse warm-up that allows participants to discover what they do or do not already know and focuses them mentally for the course.

-

* [[Merit Badge Policies]]

+

:'''Trainer:''' Distribute copies of the quiz to each participant and allow enough time for everyone to finish.

-

* [[Merit Badge Counseling]]

+

-

* [[Merit Badge application|Application for Merit Badge]]

+

-

=== Scout [[Buddy System]] ===

+

==The Aims of Scouting==

+

{{Main|Aims and Methods of Scouting}}

+

The Scouting program is an educational program aimed at teaching youth character development, citizenship, and mental and physical fitness. These aims of Scouting are accomplished by the use of eight fundamental methods:

A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a merit badge counselor. A Scout's buddy could be another Scout, or be a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative or friend. From his Scoutmaster, the Scout obtains a signed merit badge application and the name of the appropriate merit badge counselor. The Scout sets up his first appointment with the counselor. The counselor should explain the requirements to the Scout. The Scout and his buddy then meet as appropriate with the counselor until the Scout completes the badges requriements.

+

==What Is Advancement? ==

+

{{Main|Advancement}}

+

[[Advancement]] is the process by which a Scout progresses from rank to rank in the Scouting program. It is simply a means to an end and not an end in itself. Everything done to advance and earn higher ranks is designed to help the Scout have an exciting and meaningful experience.

-

=== Statement ===

+

The advancement method is designed to encourage a young man to accomplish a progressive series of fun and educational tasks. Earning merit badges allows Scouts to explore many fields, helps them round out their skills, and perhaps introduces them to subjects that will become lifelong interests or rewarding careers.

-

A Scout earns a merit badge by working with a council/district-approved and registered adult counselor, an expert in the chosen subject, who is on the list provided to his troop from the district. The Scout, along with a buddy, makes an appointment with the counselor and works on the merit badge with the counselor during one or more visits. When the counselor approves the Scout's application, the Scoutmaster submits it to the council service center and obtains the badge. As with rank awards, the Scout is awarded the merit badge at the next troop meeting, and later at the next court of honor.

+

-

Any registered Scout, regardless of rank, may work on any merit badge and receive the award when he earns it.

+

==What Is a Merit Badge?==

+

{{Main|Merit Badges}}

+

A special part of a Scout's learning adventure, [[merit badges]] are awards presented to a Scout when he completes the requirements for one of the merit badge subjects. There are more than 100 merit badges a Scout may earn. The subject matters range from vocational and careers introduction to personal development, hobbies, sports, high adventure, citizenship, and life-skills development.

-

The merit badge program is one of Scouting's basic character-developing tools. Earning merit badges gives boys the kind of self-confidence that comes only from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal.

+

Every merit badge is designed to teach the Scout new skills while outwardly encouraging him to challenge himself and have fun in the process. Merit badges offer a range of difficulty over a breadth of subject matters, and a Scout is free to pursue any merit badge he wishes. The merit badge itself is a simple embroidered patch, but the intangible end result of earning it is that the Scout gains self-confidence from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal.

-

Through the merit badge program, boys learn career skills that might help them choose their lifework. Some merit badges help boys develop physical fitness and provide hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation.

+

==Why Does the BSA Use Merit Badge Counselors?==

+

One of the methods of Scouting is association with quality adults. Besides a Scout's parents and relatives, his schoolteachers, his religious leaders, and possibly his sports coaches, most Scout-age youth do not have much contact with many other adults or professionals. Merit badge counselors provide an excellent means for a Scout to grow through his exposure to outstanding adults who serve as examples and mentors to them. The opportunity to deal with business leaders, trained specialists, and experienced hobbyists while in the pursuit of a merit badge offers the Scout a chance for personal growth and possibly a life-altering experience.

-

Working with a merit badge counselor gives the Scouts contact with an adult with whom they might not be acquainted. This is a valuable experience. The Scouts could be shy and fearful in this new situation, so the counselor must see that the counseling session is relaxed, informal, and friendly.

+

:'''Trainer:''' Ask participants if any of them were Scouts and, if so, whether any of the merit badges they earned influenced their choice of careers.

+

The BSA recognizes that the merit badge counselor is the cornerstone to the merit badge program. By offering their time, experience, and knowledge to guide Scouts in one or more merit badge subjects, counselors help shape the future of our country. By assisting as the Scout plans projects and activities necessary to meet the merit badge requirements, and by coaching the Scout through interviews and demonstrations, the quality adult contact fostered by this working relationship can only enhance the Scout's self-confidence and growth.

-

Although at times two Scouts will be working as buddies on the same merit badge, each Scout is judged on his own performance of the requirements and should receive the maximum benefit from the knowledge, skill, character, and personal interest of the counselor. Group instruction and orientation are encouraged where special facilities and expert personnel make this most practical or when Scouts are dependent on a few counselors for assistance. However, this group experience should include individual attention to each candidate's projects and his ability to fulfill all requirements.

+

==What Is a Merit Badge Counselor?==

+

{{Main|Guide for Merit Badge Counselors}}

+

A merit badge counselor is both a teacher and a mentor to the Scout as he works on the merit badge. Merit badge counselors should be satisfied that each Scout under their guidance meets all the requirements set forth for the merit badge. In this sense, a merit badge counselor is an examiner. In a larger sense, the real opportunity for a counselor lies in coaching—helping Scouts over the different hurdles of the requirements and helping make them aware of the deeper aspects of the subject from their knowledge and experience.

-

== Read and Discuss ==

+

The merit badge counselor may help a Scout by providing instruction and guidance on the subject matter. However, the counselor must not complete the Scout's work on the requirements. The counselor needs to test the Scout to ensure that he has completed all the required work but '''may not modify the merit badge requirements''' in the process. This standard ensures that the advancement requirements are fair and uniform for all Scouts.

+

:'''Trainer:''' Lead a brief discussion to emphasize that counselors must not add or modify the merit badge requirements.

-

The pamphlet: [[Merit Badge Counseling]]

+

A merit badge counselor must always ensure that a Scout has a "buddy" present at all instruction sessions. Working on merit badges is especially enjoyable when Scouts work together, and the BSA encourages this by making the [[buddy system]] a part of the merit badge program. Together the two meet with merit badge counselors, plan projects, and keep their enthusiasm high. The Scout's buddy could be another Scout, a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative, or friend. The Scout should bring a buddy to all his appointments with his counselor.

-

=== Discuss these points with the Merit Badge Counselor ===

+

==Merit Badge Counselor Requirements and Registration==

-

# Merit badge requirements in the merit badge pamphlet.

+

To qualify as a merit badge counselor, a [[volunteer]] must:

-

# Merit badge pamphlets are available in each subject and

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* Register annually with the Boy Scouts of America.

-

#:a. May be purchased by the Scout.

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* Be at least 18 years old.

-

#:b. May be available at a library.

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* Be of good character.

-

#:c. May be in the troop library.

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* Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation, avocation, or special training.

-

# The Scout indicates his interest in a merit badge to his Scoutmaster, who gives him

+

* Be able to work with Scout-age youth.

-

#:a. An interview to determine interest, enthusiasm, preparedness.

+

* Be approved by the district/council advancement committee.

-

#:b. A signed Application for Merit Badge.

+

-

#:c. The name and phone number of the council/district-approved counselor.

+

-

#:d. Encouragement to wear the official uniform when he visits the counselor with a buddy.

+

-

# The Scout calls the merit badge counselor and makes an appointment.

+

-

# The merit badge counselor sets the date and time for the Scout and his buddy and suggests the Scout bring the following:

+

-

#:a. Merit badge pamphlet

+

-

#:b. Merit badge application

+

-

#:c. Any projects he may have started

+

-

#:d. Any other indication of preparedness

+

-

# At the first interview, the merit badge counselor and the Scout decide upon

+

-

#:a. Projects.

+

-

#:b. Short-term and long-term goals with dates of completion in mind.

+

-

#:c. Dates and times for future sessions.

+

-

# The number of counseling sessions depends on the difficulty of the subject and the presentation and ability of the Scout.

+

-

# The Scout is counseled with a buddy present.

+

-

# The Scout is always tested individually but with a buddy present, and as each requirement is completed the counselor marks it on the application.

+

-

# The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated -- no more and no less.

+

-

# The merit badge counselor assists the Scout to meet the requirements and certifies when he has completed them.

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-

=== Counseling Techniques ===

+

To register with the Boy Scouts of America, a potential merit badge counselor must complete the BSA's [[Adult Application]] form (No. 28-501Y; available in Spanish as No. 28-502S) and submit it along with the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information form (No. 34405) to the BSA local council office. Renewal of this registration annually is necessary to continue as a merit badge counselor.

-

# For the Scout to get the most benefit from the counseling session, he must feel welcome and relaxed. One way for the counselor to put him at ease is to ask a simple question. For example, "How long have you been in Scouting?" or "What got you interested in the astronomy merit badge?"

+

:'''Trainer:''' Show participants the forms, books, and other resources as they are mentioned throughout this training. It might be fruitful to take a few minutes to go over the [[Adult Application]].

-

# Another way to put a Scout at ease is to show him something related to the merit badge subject. For example, a Coin Collecting merit badge counselor might show the Scout his coin collection. However, don't overwhelm the Scout. Remember, he is probably a beginner.

+

-

# A third way to put a Scout at ease is to ask him to do a simple skill. For example, a Woodwork merit badge counselor might say, "Would you sand this piece of wood while I get some tools ready?"

+

-

# At the first meeting with the Scout, the merit badge counselor should carefully review each requirement to be sure the Scout understands what he must do.

+

-

# Before the merit badge counselor signs the Scout's Application for Merit Badge, he must insist that the Scout do exactly what the requirements call for. If it says, "show or demonstrate," that is what he must do. Just telling isn't enough. The same things hold true for words such as "make," "list," "in the field," and "collect, identify, and label."

+

-

# On the other hand, you cannot require more of a Scout than stated. You must not, for example, say, "I want to be sure you really know your stuff, so instead of the 20 items you need for the collection, you must have 30 to get my signature."

+

-

# It is, of course, acceptable for the Scout on his own initiative to do more than the requirements call for.

+

-

# When reviewing the requirements with a Scout or testing him, the merit badge counselor may find that the boy needs help in learning a particular skill. One of the jobs of a merit badge counselor is to teach the Scout the skills required.

+

-

# The most effective way to teach a skill is to get the Scout to practice while learning.

+

-

=== As a Counselor ===

+

The Boy Scouts of America strongly recommends that merit badge counselors take BSA Youth Protection training. This program addresses strategies for personal safety awareness for youth as well as adults. BSA Youth Protection policies include

-

# A Scout is interviewed with a buddy present to determine

+

* Two-deep leadership

-

#:a. His preparedness.

+

* No one-on-one contact

-

#:b. The amount of knowledge he already has in the subject.

+

* Respecting privacy

-

#:c. His interest in the subject.

+

* Reporting problems

-

# Short-term and long-term goals are set by the Scout with encouragement from the counselor.

+

The BSA [[Youth Protection]] guidelines have been adopted primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our [[adult volunteers]] and leaders from false accusations of abuse. BSA Youth Protection training is available online at http://olc.scouting.org.

-

# Counselor follows up with the Scout on his goals -- projects, collections, written work.

+

-

# Counselor helps the Scout evaluate his progress.

+

-

# Counselor encourages the Scout to ask for any help he needs to gain more knowledge or skill in the subject.

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-

=== A Coach===

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==The Merit Badge Process==

-

#Teaches the Scout the skills required

+

{{Main|Merit Badges}}

-

#Gives the Scout an opportunity to practice the skills under his or her guidance

The requirements for each merit badge appear in the current BSA merit badge pamphlet for that award and in the current edition of the [[Boy Scout Requirements]] book, available at Scout shops and council service centers.

-

Check over the requirements for the merit badge(s) each counselor will be using. (Have the counselors do this individually.)

+

-

=== Merit Badge Library ===

+

When a Scout has decided on a merit badge he would like to earn, he obtains from his Scoutmaster the name and phone number of the district/council-approved merit badge counselor. At this time, the Scoutmaster also can issue the Scout a signed Application for Merit Badge (blue card).

-

A listing of all merit badge pamphlets can be found on the inside back cover of the current Boy Scout Requirements.

The Scout contacts the merit badge counselor to make an appointment, and together they schedule a date and time for the Scout and his buddy to meet. The counselor suggests that the Scout bring the merit badge pamphlet, the [[Application for Merit Badge]], and any work that he has started or accomplished, and that he prepare by reading over the requirements.

+

+

At their first meeting, the merit badge counselor and the Scout decide upon a tentative schedule for completing the requirements. They should keep the Scout's other obligations (Scouting, school, worship, etc.) in mind, and set the dates, times, and locations for future meetings. The counselor will explain the requirements for the badge and help the Scout plan ways to fulfill these requirements so that he can get the most out of the experience.

+

+

Merit badge counselors help Scouts meet the requirements for the merit badge. They may expand on the information in the merit badge pamphlet based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise in the subject. They are encouraged to tell about their own experiences that positively reinforce the subject matter, but new requirements or additional work may not be added. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements for the merit badge as stated—no more and no less.

+

+

The number of counseling sessions will depend on the difficulty of the merit badge requirements and the Scout's preparation and ability. The Scout and counselor are expected to meet as many times as is necessary for the Scout to complete the requirements for the merit badge. The advancement program allows the Scout to move ahead in his own way and at his own pace. Rather than competing against others, he challenges himself to go as far as his ambition will carry him. The rate of advancement depends upon his interest, effort, and ability.

+

+

As the Scout completes each requirement, he is always tested (but with a buddy present), and as each requirement is completed, the merit badge counselor marks it on the application. When all the requirements for the merit badge are fulfilled, the merit badge counselor certifies that the Scout has completed the requirements. The Scout may return his completed [[Application for Merit Badge]] (blue card, if one is used) to his [[Scoutmaster]].

+

+

==Counseling Techniques==

+

:'''Trainer:''' Ensure the counselors are comfortable with counseling techniques by discussing any teaching experiences they have had and their comfort levels. Emphasize the positive.

+

+

The most productive environment for the Scout when he meets with his merit badge counselor will be one in which he feels welcome and relaxed. Start the conversation by finding out what the Scout already knows about the subject, then stimulate his interest by showing him something related to it. (Be careful not to overwhelm the Scout—remember, he's probably a beginner.) Establish an atmosphere that encourages the Scout to ask questions and to ask for help when he needs it.

+

+

Spend some time helping the Scout learn the requirements, making sure he knows he should do exactly what the requirements call for, whether "show" or "demonstrate," "make," "list," "discuss," or "collect, identify, and label." Take a genuine interest in his projects, and encourage him to complete them.

+

+

Remember that the requirements must be completed exactly as presented—do not expand any requirement. However, the Scout may undertake more activities on his own initiative. The merit badge counselor can encourage this without pushing him off course.

+

+

Encourage the Scout to practice for his review session and to reflect on his accomplishments. The review process might be approached by the Scout with some apprehension. He is familiar with final exams in school and may see this meeting with the counselor as another such experience. The counselor can help by talking to him rather than grilling or examining him—there's a big difference, yet it still will be evident what he knows. Expressing honest enthusiasm for the things he has done will give the Scout confidence.

+

+

During testing, the merit badge counselor may find that the Scout needs help learning a particular area. The counselor teaches the needed skill, and then retests to ensure the area has been learned.

+

+

==Fast Facts for the Merit Badge Counselor==

+

{{Main|Merit Badge FAQ}}

+

* A merit badge counselor can counsel any Scout, including his own son—although this is discouraged in order to offer a Scout the chance to meet a diverse group of outstanding adults.

+

* A counselor may be certified in unlimited merit badge subjects, but he or she must be approved for each one.

+

* There is no limit on the number of merit badges that a counselor may counsel with one Scout. However, the Scout will benefit the most from working with a variety of outstanding adults.

+

* A merit badge counselor may limit his or her services to one unit but still must be approved by the council advancement committee.

+

* Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are not automatically approved as merit badge counselors.

+

* Group instruction is acceptable, but each Scout must be tested and passed individually.

+

* There is no time limit for completion of merit badges, but all work on merit badges must be completed before the Scout's 18th birthday.

+

+

==Summer Camp Merit Badge Counselors==

+

{{Main|Advancement in Summer Camp}}

+

The same qualifications and rules for apply to counselors for council summer camp merit badge programs. All counselors must be 18 years or older, but qualified camp staff members under age 18 may assist the merit badge counselor with instruction. (These assistants are not qualified to sign off on a Scout's blue card nor may they certify the Scout's completion of a merit badge.) As always, each counselor must maintain the exact standards as outlined in the merit badge requirements—nothing deleted, nothing added.

+

+

Partial completion of merit badges at summer camp should be credited to a Scout on the [[Application for Merit Badge]] (blue card) and given to his Scoutmaster at the end of the week.

+

+

==Summary==

+

:'''Trainer:''' Distribute the quiz answer sheet and go over the participants' answers, pausing to discuss where appropriate. Distribute the Resources for Merit Badge Counselors handout.

+

+

===Resources for Merit Badge Counselors===

+

{{Main|Bookshelf}}

+

+

;Adult Application, No. 28-501

+

:This [[adult application]] form consists of a cover sheet, an instruction and information sheet, and a four-part registration form. It is used for all BSA [[volunteers]], including merit badge counselors. Completion of the form is required of all merit badge counselors regardless of whether they are already a registered [[Scouter]], and for each position the [[volunteer]] would like to serve. The form is available online here.

+

+

;[[Advancement Committee Guide Policies and Procedures]], No. 33088

+

:This is the handbook for [[Scouters]] responsible for advancement at the council, district, and unit levels. It contains the current BSA advancement policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as well as other information.

:This three-panel, blue wallet-sized card (1) shows that the Scout has permission to start working on a particular merit badge; (2) records his progress; and (3), when completed, provides a separate record for the Scout, the counselor, and the unit.

+

+

;[[Boy Scout Handbook]], No. 33105

+

:This is the critical document for a Scout, providing the basic information for all facets of Scouting, including a chapter on the merit badge program.

+

+

;[[Boy Scout Requirements]], No. 33216

+

:Updated yearly, this book contains the complete, official requirements for all BSA merit badges, ranks, and special awards. Requirements in this publication may be more current than the merit badge pamphlet; therefore, the [[Boy Scout Requirements]] takes precedence. The complete book will be available online in 2007.

+

+

;[[Guide for Merit Badge Counselors]], No. 34532

+

:This folder gives potential merit badge counselors an introduction to the advancement program and the merit badge counselor's role. It also lists all the current merit badge subjects.

+

+

;[[Merit Badge Counselor Information form]], No. 34405

+

:When attached to the [[Adult Application]], this document specifies the merit badge subjects a counselor wants to coach and secures the counselor's agreement to follow the merit badge requirements and BSA policies. This form is available online as a PDF here.

+

+

;Merit Badge Pamphlet Series

+

:The merit badge pamphlets are written for Scout-age boys. The information presented in the pamphlet will help the counselor understand what the Scout may be studying and the level of learning expected by the Boy Scouts of America. The pamphlets may also contain suggestions for projects or demonstrations required to earn the merit badge. At times, the requirements presented in the merit badge pamphlet may not match those in the current edition of the [[Boy Scout Requirements]] book. The [[Boy Scout Requirements]] criteria take precedence.

+

+

:Once a Scout has started working on a merit badge, he may stay with the requirements in effect when he started. He is not required to meet newly introduced changes unless the national office places a specific timeline on the implementation of new requirements.

+

+

;[[Scoutmaster Handbook]], No. 33009

+

:As the Scoutmaster's primary guide, the Scoutmaster Handbook contains a section on the merit badge program that includes tips on recruiting counselors and other advancement resources.

Training Summary

This module will guide new and potential merit badge counselors through their responsibilities in the role and will give them an understanding of the methods of counseling Scouts. It is intended as a short orientation course for new merit badge counselors before they begin working with Scouts.

The Aims of Scouting

The Scouting program is an educational program aimed at teaching youth character development, citizenship, and mental and physical fitness. These aims of Scouting are accomplished by the use of eight fundamental methods:

What Is Advancement?

Advancement is the process by which a Scout progresses from rank to rank in the Scouting program. It is simply a means to an end and not an end in itself. Everything done to advance and earn higher ranks is designed to help the Scout have an exciting and meaningful experience.

The advancement method is designed to encourage a young man to accomplish a progressive series of fun and educational tasks. Earning merit badges allows Scouts to explore many fields, helps them round out their skills, and perhaps introduces them to subjects that will become lifelong interests or rewarding careers.

What Is a Merit Badge?

A special part of a Scout's learning adventure, merit badges are awards presented to a Scout when he completes the requirements for one of the merit badge subjects. There are more than 100 merit badges a Scout may earn. The subject matters range from vocational and careers introduction to personal development, hobbies, sports, high adventure, citizenship, and life-skills development.

Every merit badge is designed to teach the Scout new skills while outwardly encouraging him to challenge himself and have fun in the process. Merit badges offer a range of difficulty over a breadth of subject matters, and a Scout is free to pursue any merit badge he wishes. The merit badge itself is a simple embroidered patch, but the intangible end result of earning it is that the Scout gains self-confidence from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal.

Why Does the BSA Use Merit Badge Counselors?

One of the methods of Scouting is association with quality adults. Besides a Scout's parents and relatives, his schoolteachers, his religious leaders, and possibly his sports coaches, most Scout-age youth do not have much contact with many other adults or professionals. Merit badge counselors provide an excellent means for a Scout to grow through his exposure to outstanding adults who serve as examples and mentors to them. The opportunity to deal with business leaders, trained specialists, and experienced hobbyists while in the pursuit of a merit badge offers the Scout a chance for personal growth and possibly a life-altering experience.

Trainer: Ask participants if any of them were Scouts and, if so, whether any of the merit badges they earned influenced their choice of careers.

The BSA recognizes that the merit badge counselor is the cornerstone to the merit badge program. By offering their time, experience, and knowledge to guide Scouts in one or more merit badge subjects, counselors help shape the future of our country. By assisting as the Scout plans projects and activities necessary to meet the merit badge requirements, and by coaching the Scout through interviews and demonstrations, the quality adult contact fostered by this working relationship can only enhance the Scout's self-confidence and growth.

What Is a Merit Badge Counselor?

A merit badge counselor is both a teacher and a mentor to the Scout as he works on the merit badge. Merit badge counselors should be satisfied that each Scout under their guidance meets all the requirements set forth for the merit badge. In this sense, a merit badge counselor is an examiner. In a larger sense, the real opportunity for a counselor lies in coaching—helping Scouts over the different hurdles of the requirements and helping make them aware of the deeper aspects of the subject from their knowledge and experience.

The merit badge counselor may help a Scout by providing instruction and guidance on the subject matter. However, the counselor must not complete the Scout's work on the requirements. The counselor needs to test the Scout to ensure that he has completed all the required work but may not modify the merit badge requirements in the process. This standard ensures that the advancement requirements are fair and uniform for all Scouts.

Trainer: Lead a brief discussion to emphasize that counselors must not add or modify the merit badge requirements.

A merit badge counselor must always ensure that a Scout has a "buddy" present at all instruction sessions. Working on merit badges is especially enjoyable when Scouts work together, and the BSA encourages this by making the buddy system a part of the merit badge program. Together the two meet with merit badge counselors, plan projects, and keep their enthusiasm high. The Scout's buddy could be another Scout, a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative, or friend. The Scout should bring a buddy to all his appointments with his counselor.

Merit Badge Counselor Requirements and Registration

Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation, avocation, or special training.

Be able to work with Scout-age youth.

Be approved by the district/council advancement committee.

To register with the Boy Scouts of America, a potential merit badge counselor must complete the BSA's Adult Application form (No. 28-501Y; available in Spanish as No. 28-502S) and submit it along with the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information form (No. 34405) to the BSA local council office. Renewal of this registration annually is necessary to continue as a merit badge counselor.

Trainer: Show participants the forms, books, and other resources as they are mentioned throughout this training. It might be fruitful to take a few minutes to go over the Adult Application.

The Boy Scouts of America strongly recommends that merit badge counselors take BSA Youth Protection training. This program addresses strategies for personal safety awareness for youth as well as adults. BSA Youth Protection policies include

Two-deep leadership

No one-on-one contact

Respecting privacy

Reporting problems

The BSA Youth Protection guidelines have been adopted primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult volunteers and leaders from false accusations of abuse. BSA Youth Protection training is available online at http://olc.scouting.org.

The Merit Badge Process

The requirements for each merit badge appear in the current BSA merit badge pamphlet for that award and in the current edition of the Boy Scout Requirements book, available at Scout shops and council service centers.

When a Scout has decided on a merit badge he would like to earn, he obtains from his Scoutmaster the name and phone number of the district/council-approved merit badge counselor. At this time, the Scoutmaster also can issue the Scout a signed Application for Merit Badge (blue card).

The Scout contacts the merit badge counselor to make an appointment, and together they schedule a date and time for the Scout and his buddy to meet. The counselor suggests that the Scout bring the merit badge pamphlet, the Application for Merit Badge, and any work that he has started or accomplished, and that he prepare by reading over the requirements.

At their first meeting, the merit badge counselor and the Scout decide upon a tentative schedule for completing the requirements. They should keep the Scout's other obligations (Scouting, school, worship, etc.) in mind, and set the dates, times, and locations for future meetings. The counselor will explain the requirements for the badge and help the Scout plan ways to fulfill these requirements so that he can get the most out of the experience.

Merit badge counselors help Scouts meet the requirements for the merit badge. They may expand on the information in the merit badge pamphlet based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise in the subject. They are encouraged to tell about their own experiences that positively reinforce the subject matter, but new requirements or additional work may not be added. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements for the merit badge as stated—no more and no less.

The number of counseling sessions will depend on the difficulty of the merit badge requirements and the Scout's preparation and ability. The Scout and counselor are expected to meet as many times as is necessary for the Scout to complete the requirements for the merit badge. The advancement program allows the Scout to move ahead in his own way and at his own pace. Rather than competing against others, he challenges himself to go as far as his ambition will carry him. The rate of advancement depends upon his interest, effort, and ability.

As the Scout completes each requirement, he is always tested (but with a buddy present), and as each requirement is completed, the merit badge counselor marks it on the application. When all the requirements for the merit badge are fulfilled, the merit badge counselor certifies that the Scout has completed the requirements. The Scout may return his completed Application for Merit Badge (blue card, if one is used) to his Scoutmaster.

Counseling Techniques

Trainer: Ensure the counselors are comfortable with counseling techniques by discussing any teaching experiences they have had and their comfort levels. Emphasize the positive.

The most productive environment for the Scout when he meets with his merit badge counselor will be one in which he feels welcome and relaxed. Start the conversation by finding out what the Scout already knows about the subject, then stimulate his interest by showing him something related to it. (Be careful not to overwhelm the Scout—remember, he's probably a beginner.) Establish an atmosphere that encourages the Scout to ask questions and to ask for help when he needs it.

Spend some time helping the Scout learn the requirements, making sure he knows he should do exactly what the requirements call for, whether "show" or "demonstrate," "make," "list," "discuss," or "collect, identify, and label." Take a genuine interest in his projects, and encourage him to complete them.

Remember that the requirements must be completed exactly as presented—do not expand any requirement. However, the Scout may undertake more activities on his own initiative. The merit badge counselor can encourage this without pushing him off course.

Encourage the Scout to practice for his review session and to reflect on his accomplishments. The review process might be approached by the Scout with some apprehension. He is familiar with final exams in school and may see this meeting with the counselor as another such experience. The counselor can help by talking to him rather than grilling or examining him—there's a big difference, yet it still will be evident what he knows. Expressing honest enthusiasm for the things he has done will give the Scout confidence.

During testing, the merit badge counselor may find that the Scout needs help learning a particular area. The counselor teaches the needed skill, and then retests to ensure the area has been learned.

Summer Camp Merit Badge Counselors

The same qualifications and rules for apply to counselors for council summer camp merit badge programs. All counselors must be 18 years or older, but qualified camp staff members under age 18 may assist the merit badge counselor with instruction. (These assistants are not qualified to sign off on a Scout's blue card nor may they certify the Scout's completion of a merit badge.) As always, each counselor must maintain the exact standards as outlined in the merit badge requirements—nothing deleted, nothing added.

Partial completion of merit badges at summer camp should be credited to a Scout on the Application for Merit Badge (blue card) and given to his Scoutmaster at the end of the week.

Summary

Trainer: Distribute the quiz answer sheet and go over the participants' answers, pausing to discuss where appropriate. Distribute the Resources for Merit Badge Counselors handout.

Resources for Merit Badge Counselors

This adult application form consists of a cover sheet, an instruction and information sheet, and a four-part registration form. It is used for all BSA volunteers, including merit badge counselors. Completion of the form is required of all merit badge counselors regardless of whether they are already a registered Scouter, and for each position the volunteer would like to serve. The form is available online here.

This is the handbook for Scouters responsible for advancement at the council, district, and unit levels. It contains the current BSA advancement policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as well as other information.

This three-panel, blue wallet-sized card (1) shows that the Scout has permission to start working on a particular merit badge; (2) records his progress; and (3), when completed, provides a separate record for the Scout, the counselor, and the unit.

Updated yearly, this book contains the complete, official requirements for all BSA merit badges, ranks, and special awards. Requirements in this publication may be more current than the merit badge pamphlet; therefore, the Boy Scout Requirements takes precedence. The complete book will be available online in 2007.

When attached to the Adult Application, this document specifies the merit badge subjects a counselor wants to coach and secures the counselor's agreement to follow the merit badge requirements and BSA policies. This form is available online as a PDF here.

Merit Badge Pamphlet Series

The merit badge pamphlets are written for Scout-age boys. The information presented in the pamphlet will help the counselor understand what the Scout may be studying and the level of learning expected by the Boy Scouts of America. The pamphlets may also contain suggestions for projects or demonstrations required to earn the merit badge. At times, the requirements presented in the merit badge pamphlet may not match those in the current edition of the Boy Scout Requirements book. The Boy Scout Requirements criteria take precedence.

Once a Scout has started working on a merit badge, he may stay with the requirements in effect when he started. He is not required to meet newly introduced changes unless the national office places a specific timeline on the implementation of new requirements.